Russian Zoo Star: Adam The Ostrich Found Dead: Feet Frozen To Cage Floor During Power Cut

• Cutbacks at the zoo are being blamed for bird’s death
• Activists are calling for an independent probe

A well-loved Russian ostrich has died from hypothermia after his feet froze to the floor of a cage during a power cut on a cold night.

Adam the ostrich, the star of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Zoo and its unofficial mascot, frantically tried to free himself after becoming stuck to the concrete floor, leaving feathers covering the cage.

He was found dead by zoo keepers early on Monday morning.

Adam the ostrich died from hypothermia at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Zoo in Russia after his feet froze to the floor of his cage. Pictured are ‘snow ostriches’ in the Altai region in Siberia

A post-mortem revealed that the bird died of hypothermia.

An investigation is now underway into the death of the popular bird, according to The Siberian Times.

Animal rights campaigners in the Russian Far East are blaming Adam’s death on cutbacks at the zoo, claiming workers failed to sufficiently insulate the cage and prepare it for the winter season.

Activist Melissa Malyarzhik said Adam could have died because his cage was not covered with a thick layer of hay and manure.

During previous winters, this would have acted as thermal insulation – but Miss Malyarzhik said the zoo’s management had decided against it this year.

Activists are now calling for an independent probe into Adam’s death.

Bosses at the zoo said temperatures had plummeted this winter but maintained their animals were well looked after.

Zoo director Tatiana Karpukhina said: ‘We do look after all our animals well. This ostrich arrived to our zoo seven years ago and has wintered well since.

‘The frosts this winter were truly severe. Of course we took some advance measures and bought extra heating devices – but sadly that night there was a power cut and it switched off.

‘We admit that the animal died from hypothermia, the autopsy showed it clearly. We have already began an internal investigation.’

Far Eastern animal rights activists have launched their own investigation into the ostrich’s death and requested assistance from the Vita Center for Animal Rights Protection.

The zoo was founded in 1993 and is home to a collection of mammals, birds and reptiles.

News Link:- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2266914/Ostrich-dies-Russia-feet-frozen-cage-floor-power-cut.html#ixzz2JmM5eG2D
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Heat killed 9 Westfield dogs in kennel

WESTFIELD, Mass. – An investigator says nine dogs at a Westfield kennel died from heat stress caused by a malfunctioning air conditioner.

Westfield Animal Control Officer Kenneth Frazer tells The Republican newspaper of Springfield Friday the deaths were “a tragic accident.” Frazer said he, an MSPCA investigator, and an air conditioning technician found the unit’s coil frosted over, causing it to blow hot air.

MSPCA spokesman Rob Halpin also said it appears the July 5 deaths were an accident.

Brenda Coggin of Coggin Creek Stables said the air conditioner was emitting a mist and chemical odor when she found her Australian shepherds. They had bled through their noses. Investigators said that likely was from broken blood vessels, not the chemical.

Frazer said the dogs were well cared for but he may give Coggins a written warning for an unlicensed kennel.

News Link: http://www.wcvb.com/news/local/central-massachusetts/Heat-killed-9-Westfield-dogs-in-kennel/-/11983998/15484908/-/gnpcxv/-/index.html#ixzz20jXHYkf1